Councillors were asked to approve revised plans for the Glen Mhor Hotel on the city’s riverside after the owners were initially refused permission in October last year for their plans to demolish a bar to incorporate the development as part of the existing Victorian building.

Councillors on the Highland Council’s south planning applications committee cited concerns over inadequate parking provision, the local road network and the building not keeping with local character as reasons to unanimously reject the scheme following a site visit.

Then in March, fresh plans were submitted which applicant Jon and Victoria Erasmus said the addressed the councillors’ concerns.

Designed by Colin Armstrong Associates, the development has been set an autumn 2016 target for building work to commence.

Mr Erasmus said: “We are delighted the project has been given approval and we thank the councillors for their support as well as members of the public and business community who have backed the plan.

“This is good for Inverness. It will bring much needed jobs and will add to the attractions which bring tourists to the city. We are glad that the revisions made have met with approval.

“The hard work begins now and we have set a target of Autumn 2016 to get work started on the site.

“This is a great project, it’s exciting and it is something that will bring a lot of benefits to the highlands.”